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COLUMBUS– The Ohio Senate today passed Senate Joint Resolution 6, sponsored by Senator Gayle Manning (R–North Ridgeville), which seeks to renew the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP). The partnership between SCIP and the Ohio Public Works Commission finances important public capital improvement and public infrastructure projects across Ohio.

“This money is one of the most important investments we can make in our local communities,” said Manning. “These public works dollars are funneled straight to our local governments to fund the continued upkeep of our bridges, tunnels, roadways, and other vital projects that ensure the safety and convenience of every Ohioan.”

The program has been extremely successful over the course of its nearly 27-year history and has been supported at the polls by voters every time renewal has been needed. The SCIP was originally put before voters and passed in 1987. It has been subsequently put on the ballot by the General Assembly and passed by voters in 1995 and 2005.

“The voters have always shown support for the public works program because they see its benefit every day as they travel to work and school,” added Manning.

The Senate’s plan asks voters to approve a 10-year renewal of the program that would increase the bond funding levels to $175 million annually for the first five years and $200 million annually for the remaining five years.

In total, Senate Joint Resolution 6 asks Ohio voters to approve $1.875 billion of investment that will directly benefit local governments and communities. These infrastructure dollars will work to continue the program’s proven track record of creating jobs, improving the quality of life, and in many cases, ensuring public health and safety for years to come.

Local officials have quickly praised the advancement of Senate Joint Resolution 6 for its impact on their communities including the following:

“I feel the Ohio Public Works Commission is the single most successful infrastructure funding mechanism available to local governments... I would actively encourage the voters of the State of Ohio to support this critical infrastructure funding source.”– Ken Carney, Lorain County Engineer and Chairman of Public Works District 9 (Serving Lorain and Huron Counties)

“The SCIP, LTIP & Small Government Programs administered by the Ohio Public Works Commissions have enabled us to preform necessary long term improvements to our Transportation Networks in Huron County instead of temporary patches and costly maintenance projects. This program has been an efficient and effective program that has been utilized by all Public Agencies in the State of Ohio.” – Joe Kovach, Huron County Engineer and member of the District 9 Integrating Committee

Section 17, article VIII of the Ohio Constitution limits state debt to just 5 percent of the General Revenue Fund. With the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 6, the state maintains its continued commitment to responsible and conservative debt management while also providing the largest funding increase in the program’s history.

The resolution now proceeds to the Ohio House of Representatives where it must also receive approval before being placed on the May 2014 ballot.

"There are loopholes in the current law that this legislation helps to eliminate, in order to protect victims of domestic violence, making it clear, that if a protection order is deliberately violated, the violator could be prosecuted," said Senator Manning, who jointly sponsored Senate Bill 7.

The brave men and women who have served in our Armed Forces are always deserving of thanks. We owe them gratitude every day, every month, and every year. This Veterans Day, I want to take this opportunity to pay special tribute to veterans in Ohio and across the country.